ECLECTIC ARTS

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Eclectic Arts returned to cover the northwest's biggest
horror convention:Crypticon
2013!We here at EA had a great
time last year covering the convention so we were stoked to be back amongst the
undead, monsters, and overall freaks this Memorial Day weekend.

The convention was held at the Hilton at Sea Tac - same as
the previous year.I arrived to
the familiar scene of several hearses parked outside the parking garage, along
with a few military style vehicles.

Upon entering the convention on the conference room level
(3rd floor), my assistant and I picked up our credentials (thanks Kyle!),
grabbed a schedule, and ventured inside.

I distinctly remember Friday being slow last year (Ms. Dee
Wallace said the same thing to me last year).This year appeared to have higher attendance both Friday and Saturday (Sunday seemed about the
same to me as last year). Perhaps the Crypticon folks can chime in here?

As we did a once through around the dealer room, the wide
variety of jewelry, weapons, horror memorabilia, and other assorted genre items
was on par with previous conventions.Most of the guests were at their tables with a few exceptions (typical
especially for a Friday).

I was talking to my assistant about my game plan for Friday
when a large figure walked by us.I turned to see Tyler Mane walking past us.With his giant 6' 8" stature, you couldn't help but
notice him.The only other time
I've seen men of such height was at wrestling events.No surprise, Tyler spent over 11 years as a professional
wrestler (primarily with WCW back in the day) before turning to acting in such
films as "Xmen", "Troy", and the 2007 "Rob Zombie's Halloween".

Tyler's wife, Renae, was also on hand at his table.Tyler has a new production company,
Mane Entertainment, with their first offering being "Compound
Fracture".

Next to Tyler's table was Derek Mears - best known as Jason
in the 2009 "Friday the 13th".Tyler
and Derek live mere blocks from each other in California.Derek is also featured in
"Compound Fracture" so it was a one-two punch of two actors that have
portrayed horror icons.

Lew Temple and Vincent M. Ward were on hand - "Axel" and "Oscar" respectively from "The Walking Dead" television show.

Fred "the Hammer" Williamson was also in
attendance.He looked as cool and
slick as he did back in the day.

But, the main guest this year (guest of honor one could say)
was most definitely the Mistress of the Dark herself - Elvira (Cassandra
Peterson).She had a steady line
of fans at her table each day over the weekend - purchasing merchandise to be
signed and getting photos with the horror icon.

As I did last year, I went into Friday getting a lay of the
land, checking out a panel or two, knowing that I would be back for two more
days to get into the nitty gritty of the convention.

The panel I wanted to check out the most on Friday was with
Tyler Mane and Derek Mears - primarily a vehicle to promote their film
"Compound Fracture".There was no moderator but Tyler, Derek, and Renae (Tyler's wife) had plenty
to say about the film, each other, and anything else that popped into their
heads.Movie rainbow anyone?Blue, purple, and red for Derek, Renae,
and Tyler respectively.

For those that haven't met Derek Mears or seen him
interviewed, the man stands nearly 6' 6" and has plenty to say.With a background in improvisation and
comedy, Derek has one liners and observational humor to add to anything he
does.Not quite what many would
expect from a guy known for wielding a machete in the silence of Camp Crystal
lake.Both he and Tyler fit what
Richard Kiel (who in his prime stood over both men at over 7' tall) mentioned
last year at Crypticon - the big man syndrome.People either assume they're a horrible monster ala Frankenstein or dumb as a
brick in real life.It goes back
to that saying of not judging a book by its cover.

They started the proceedings off by dimming the lights and
showing some rough cut footage of their film.Shot in 18 days according to Tyler with over 180 hours of
footage, the film is not a slasher flick.It owes more to Rosemary's Baby and psychological thriller/horror than
anything the two men are known for.

The panel jumped all over the place as the three of them are
such friends it was more a panel of them chopping it up than getting too
serious and that was perfectly fine for the audience.Renae talked about her background in comics (she co wrote
and co stars in the film) and Tyler chimed in with more background about Mane
Entertainment - that they have 7 projects in the works, the pros and cons of
working on an indie film VS a big Hollywood production, etc.

Derek brought up a topic that he found interesting - that
next door in another ballroom- there was a panel discussing the many
remakes/reboots of horror films and how Michael Bay (responsible for producing
many of these reboots) should die.Not literally of course but that the hardcore horror fans are tired of
the remakes, the lack of imagination from the film studios, etc.Derek really wanted to be over there on
that panel to give the other side of the coin, the other perspective of those
films, particularly since he and Tyler were both in reboots that had varying
degrees of box office success.

I think that would have been awesome if that had come to
be.I talked with Derek at his
table on Saturday about that comment he made at the Friday night panel.He was like, yeah, I love horror films,
lifelong horror fan, but he wished more people would give the new films a
chance instead of instantly dismissing them.I wholeheartedly agreed (yeah, boo me if you want, I don’t
give a shit) as that would of made for a much better panel in the next room
don't you agree?Horror fans
ripping apart a topic in the genre - why not have someone FROM one of those
films there to counter with a differing opinion, ya know?It would of made for a lively discussion
that's for sure! I obviously wasn't in the other room to hear the reboot panel discussion so maybe it wasn't as bad as all that. Hey Crypticon
folks - perhaps a good idea for a panel in 2014?Discuss the reboots but put a guest or two from those
reboots on the panel to counter the horror geek speak?It's just an idea.But I digress.

Derek and Tyler's panel ended with the official trailer for
the film.It looked really
intriguing to me.They let it be
known that they would be screening it here in Seattle on Wednesday the 29th at
the Varsity in the U District.I'll be there to cover the screening and to write a full review of the
film.Tyler and Renae will be in
attendance.Go to http://www.compoundfracturethemovie.com
for more details, tickets, etc.

After the panel, the dealer room was closing down for the
night so we made the decision to take another look around real quick and then
head out.

Saturday as any convention attendee knows is always the
busiest day of a convention and Crypticon was no exception.I arrived with my assistant when the
doors opened at 11am.Instead of
waiting for the elevator this time I found the damn stairs in the Hilton
parking garage and took those - so much quicker since it's only one floor of
stairs to cover.Why I didn't spot
these last year I have no idea but now I know.

I knew that Fred "The Hammer" Williamson was due
to have a panel right at the start so weheaded over to Ballroom C to check out what "The Hammer" had
to say.And he had a lot to say!

I honestly don't know much about "The Hammer's" background -
other than I knew he had played professional football and had a very long film
and TV career.So this was one of
those panels I was hoping to learn something from (kudos to Justin Giallo for
doing a fine job moderating the panel).

With only a handful of us in the room, the panel began.Let me say this right off the top - "The
Hammer" is an imposing figure.He
has that swagger that obviously worked for him in football and his acting
career.When he mentioned that he
was 75 years old I was blown away - this guy look like he's 50 at most and could still
kick everyone's ass in the room with one arm tied behind his back.Damn!

So, when "The Hammer" talked about throwing Gary Busey against
a wall to make sure Gary understood "The Hammer" wouldn't put up with any of his
shenanigans on set, you absolutely believe it happened! "The Hammer" also mentioned that Gary has
a good heart and is a good guy - so don't take things out of context.But he also said that Gary is fucked up
but he said it good naturedly.

"The Hammer" talked about his professional football
career.How he was going through
practice and was tired of guys trying to get past him (he played defensive
back) so one day at practice he put a forearm on a guy and just knocked him
down.The coach came over and
yelled at him, "Williamson God damn it I can't have you hammering guys
that are on your own team …." And that's where the nickname came
from.He was a tough SOB and
everyone who played with or against him knew it.

He talked about his many films he made in Italy while living
overseas.He talked about not
understanding the term blaxploitation.He said black actors were working, black audiences had heroes, and he
didn't see anyone being exploited.Please keep in mind, when "The Hammer" was answering questions, he would
give very matter of fact answers.He was likeable but you also got the sense that if you asked a question
that he really didn't like, he would reach across, grab you by the neck, and
let you know.I think the word is
respect - he commanded respect.

After "The Hammer's" panel, the next panel in Ballroom C was
with 80's crush Diane Franklin.Once again, while I remembered her from Better Off Dead and Bill and
Ted's, I hadn't seen either film in years, so I decided this would be another
good panel to sit in to learn and be entertained.

Moderated by the one and only Mr. Tony Kay (hi Tony!) whom I
had met at last year's Crypticon.It was very nice running into Tony on Friday before the Derek
Mears/Tyler Mane panel on Friday.Catching up at Crypticon is one of the best things about the convention for returnees.

Tony gave a very well done introduction to Ms. Franklin
(which he does for every guest he moderates for and, dare I say, is getting well known for) who admitted this was her first panel.Engaging, with much to say, Ms. Franklin had great stories
to tell about getting into acting, the films she's best known for, and working
in film again (her daughter is a director now as well).She also switched into accents based on
the film she was talking about.From French to German to Long Island girl, it was effortless for her to
go between her normal speech and those of the characters she played over the
years.She was clearly having fun
and Mr. Kay did a splendid job of getting the most out of the hour for the panel.

My assistant and I decided to roam through the dealer room
before heading out to grab something to eat.

We returned later in the afternoon to hear the panel with James Edward Duval and
Dana Ashbrook moderated by Steve Lange.

James is known for "Donnie Darko", "Independence Day", "Sushi
Girl", and a slew of other films.Dana is best known for his work in "Twin Peaks".Both actors had many stories to tell one of which revolved
around turning down roles in their earlier years (particularly James) but not
doing that so much nowadays.This
was a recurring theme with many of the actors - of doing the best they can with
a role regardless of the project.The only exception being if the project was just so low budget and
ridiculous but outside of that, work is work or better yet, an opportunity to
show what they could do with a character.

Both men were funny and very genuine.James had a habit of messing with his
hair during the panel - a lot - sorry James but it was hard not to notice how
often you fidgeted with your hair.Just an odd observance.

Cassandra Peterson was next and it was standing room
only.Clearly the most popular
guest this weekend.Cassandra was
funny, engaging, witty, sincere, everything you would expect her to be from her
Elvira character and her as a person. She recounted tales of encounters with Elvis Presley,
fronting an Italian rock band, performing in countless shows as a showgirl, and
then her foray into acting in LA, where the Elvira character was born.

She received the Crypticon Horror Icon award during the
panel which she seemed genuinely proud to receive.

She mentioned her appearance on "Counting Cars" (History
Channel) as a fan had asked if she still owned the car from the Mistress of The
Dark film.She initially didn't
but had the opportunity to purchase it from the original owner, had it souped
up, and then recently had it redone again for "Counting Cars". I interviewed Danny "The Count" Koker from "Counting Cars" so look for that interview in the next issue of Eclectic Arts (print version) this summer. Shameless plug.

She has new projects in the works but couldn't speak to them
(disclosure forms had been signed off on)…but one is reality based.There was a little bit of time to field questions from the audience (hi Jade!). Cassandra left to a loud round of
applause from the audience.

At this point, we decided to head back into the dealers
room.I spoke with Derek Mears for
a bit about his panel which he jokingly apologized for.We talked about the Seattle screening
of "Compound Fracture".He mentioned he wouldn't be there as he had to fly to Boston for a
charity function (Adam Green's 3 day charity event).

I brought up his interest in MMA which he has had to put on
hold due to his acting schedule taking off.He semi joked that he couldn't bang in the cage, have a messed up
face, and then go to an audition.

We touched on the panel about reboot horror movies (from
Friday night mentioned elsewhere in this report) and he was still fired up to
talk about it.He used the analogy
of people scoffing at the new James Bond (Daniel Craig) and then when they saw
it they were like wow this is a cool new take on the classic character.Everyone has their opinion of these
reboots and again I would of loved to have heard his input on that panel.

After getting more specifics about the "Compound
Fracture" screening on Wednesday, we decided to call it a night.

Sunday had arrived and there were two guest panels I wanted to check out.One was with Joe Bob Briggs who I
openly admit I knew next to nothing about (seems to be a pattern here - shame
on me).The other was with Vincent
M. Ward and Lew Temple - both from "The Walking Dead" (Season 3).

Before heading to the first panel,I stopped by Derek Mear's table to have him sign the picture
I had taken with him on Saturday. I asked him more about the charity event he was going
to.It was organized by Adam Green
("Hatchet" fame) to help the victims of the Boston bombing attack.Many in the horror community were
donating their time and memorabilia to raise money - a very cool and somewhat
unknown fact.Derek donated his
original "Friday the 13th" script as well as traveling to the event.

I got a photo with Tyler Mane and asked him a bit about his
wrestling background.He has aches
and pains all over his body - which he feels every day.He has no plans to incorporate his
wrestling background into a film concept."Penance Lane" is the next project from Mane Entertainment, currently in
development.

Derek, Tyler, and Renae were only in the dealer room for
about an hour on Sunday as they had to get down to Portland for the screening
of "Compound Fracture".

I then stopped to talk with Vincent M. Ward about most
things non Walking Dead.We talked
about his jobs, his work ethic, his dance troupe, basketball, and eventually a
few things about the Walking Dead.Straight forward, very down to earth, and very appreciative of what has
come his way, it was fascinating to hear about how his firing from his previous
job provided him an opportunity about a week later to join a small theater
company (after seeing one of their productions) with zero acting
background.I mentioned how things
happen for a reason and he couldn't agree more.

Vincent talked about never treating people
disrespectfully.That he always
shows up on time on the set, for a convention appearance, etc.He never wants to become one of those
people that think they're more important than everyone else.I mentioned I would be going to his
panel and I'm sure I would have more questions after the panel.

I was going to talk to Lew Temple but the noon panel was
going to start so my assistant and I headed to Ballroom C.

Let me tell you - I was glad I went to Joe Bob's panel
(moderated by a somewhat casually dressed Tony Kay) as he had awesome stories
of his formative years as a writer, his stint as an actor on such films as
Casino (this was a great story of how he went to NY to audition for the role),
and his love of exploitation and other assorted B movies.Reading with "Marty" and "Bobby"
for the role in Casino was probably the best story of the panel.

The next panel was Vincent M. Ward and Lew Temple.Vincent was interviewed (by Tony Kay)
solo and then Lew solo and then both gentlemen together.

It was interesting when Mr. Temple came in, Vincent decided
to stay and listen (sitting just a few chairs away to my right).Vincent had told me at his table that
Andrew Lincoln leads "The Walking Dead" cast and crew and is such a dedicated
leader, someone he respects 100%.Lew said something similar on the panel - which prompted Vincent to turn and look in my direction from his seat, we both acknowledged each other, like Vincent was going to say - "yeah, see what I was telling you earlier, it's not just me but anyone
who works on the show feels the same way".A cool, nerdy moment for this writer.

I went to talk with both gentlemen for a bit after the panel
at their respective booths.Lew
has family here in Kirkland, WA where I grew up.I immediately told him such and we started talking about
schools and such (who went where) - what a cool moment to find out that someone
I was watching on the show spent time in my hometown in his younger years.

I knew Lew was involved in baseball.What I didn't know was that he was
drafted by the Seattle Mariners!So he always has a soft spot for the M's he said.We talked about the Kingdome days, the
beautiful new park they have (Safeco Field), Felix Hernandez, and other
assorted baseball stuff. As he put it - he has had two careers, one in professional baseball for fifteen years and one in acting.

Both men were so accommodating - I got a photo with both and
left a very happy camper.

After my assistant got a photo with "The Hammer",
we decided that was the final nail in the coffin of Crypticon Seattle 2013 for
us.

Many, many thanks and kudos to all of the Crypticon staff
for putting on another well organized event. From talking with the workers/volunteers at the front table
to the dealers room, the authors area to the panel ballrooms, my
assistants and I had a great time!

Other mentionables: there was a paranormal convention going on within Crypticon. I didn't check out any of their scheduled events but it was another addition this year. I did look through the auction on Sunday to see what items were there to bid on.

A karaoke party was a separate event one evening (separate ticket entry as well) and other night time activities such as the BioHazard Parties and other film screenings for those that live after midnight.

Various music was played in the dealer room during the course of the weekend - much of it electric string music (violin, cello, viola, etc) which was a nice touch. The makeup contest was also going on on Saturday.

And of course the author's alley was ever present as it was last year. I went through a couple times looking at the various books and memorabilia - all horror related, of course.

My suggestions for improvements next year?Maybe offer a 3 day parking pass in the
Hilton garage at a discount?While
this years prices seemed a little lower than last year (and those were discounted I
believe last year), it would be cool to just buy a pass and pay a flat rate of
like $20 or something for all 3 days.If I had more money in my pocket, I would of spent it in the dealer's
room but I had to plan accordingly to cover parking all three days.Just a random thought as I'm sure most
of the 3 day attendees don't have expendable money - I know I don't.

Also, is there a way to get some better light in the
rooms?There are corners of the
dealers room that were dark - like where Vincent M. Ward's table was.The guest panel ballrooms are usually
dark as well.Not a major problem at all but more of an annoyance than anything.I've been to enough hotel events to know this is usually a common
issue but, hey, thought I'd mention it here anyway.

Another small gripe - ask the guests to please use their
mics when speaking on a panel.Could I hear them?Yeah.Would it have been a
lot easier to hear them if they used their mics?Of course.Again, very minor gripe.If
it bugged me enough, I would of said something during the panels in which the
mics weren't used.So, not a big
deal, just a picky observance.

Again, the Crypticon staff did a bang up job and made for a very enjoyable experience - kudos to all involved!

I'm now on a horror high, just like last year, and I'm ready
for Crypticon Seattle 2014.Damn,
that sounds awful to say - it feels like it'll take forever to get here.Here's hoping the next twelve months go
by in a bloody blur.